Wednesday, December 17

I can be an "appropriate organization"

So I've got less than two years to raise more than an estimated $42 million to buy one of the soon-to-be retired space shuttles. Once the shuttles are taken off the docket for flight, they'll be available for purchase. One is already headed to the Smithsonian, which leaves two left, including the one for me.[NASA] said Wednesday it's looking for ideas on where and how best to display its space shuttles once they stop flying in a few years. It's put out a call to schools, science museums and "other appropriate organizations" that might be interested in showcasing one of the three remaining shuttles.The estimate includes $6 million to ferry the spaceship atop a modified jumbo jet to the closest major airport. But the price could skyrocket depending on how far the display site is from the airport. Only indoor, climate-controlled displays will be considered.So not only do I need to collect the money, but I need to build a really big garage for the shuttle, too. They're making this super hard for me to pull off.If a space shuttle is too pricey, NASA is offering some of its shuttle main engines for anywhere between $400,000 and $800,000, not counting shipping costs.There's no way I would compromise on such a thing.The space shuttles, so you know, will not come with any main engines.I can't even take it to the grocery store or drive-in theater? Damn. But still, totally worth it. I can sit in it and play astronaut.NASA plans to retire Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour by Sept. 30, 2010, in keeping with President George Bush's initiative calling for a return by astronauts to the moon by 2020.A transition team set up by President-elect Barack Obama is reviewing all the options, however, including the possibility of keeping the shuttles flying beyond 2010.If that happens, then all space shuttle deals are off.I wonder if I'd get all my money back if NASA has to turn its back on the deal. Or maybe just a ride in one, to the moon, as a consolation prize? I'm all over it.

My To-Be-Read Pile

"Grave Ransom," Kalayna Price

"The Map of Time," Felix J. Palma

Obsessed Much? Yes. TV shows I watch:

Archer,Drunk History, Elementary, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Game of Thrones, The Good Place, Gotham, iZombie, Last Week Tonight, Life in Pieces, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, Modern Family, The Originals, Preacher, Talking Dead, The Walking Dead

Movies I've seen

The Accountant

Sing

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Mr. Right

Passengers

Books I've Read

"The End of Oz," Danielle Paige

"Yellow Brick War," Danielle Paige

"Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis," Anne Rice

"The Court of Mist and Fury," Sarah Maas

"The Angels' Share," J.R. Ward

Sydney G.

Cooper G.

Elliot G.

Random pet peeves

Head ribbons on babies

Mouth noises

Use of "@" outside of email addresses

Monkey movies

Shaped shrubbery

Dog owners that leave poo

Men who soapbox pro-life

Shingles

Crickets and ants

New York Yankees, Giants

Mosquito bites

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

Put on your quotation devices

"You can never have too many super-duper, super-swell friends."

"Well-behaved women rarely make history."

"As you wish."

"Bird by bird."

"I spin on an axis of my own neuroses."

"When in trouble, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout."

"Not the sort of information I retain."

"Keep a watchful eye for ravens."

" ... trying to smell the color 9."

Arbitrary goals and aspirations

Weigh what I've got listed on my driver's license.

Watch the "best" movies and read all the "best" books.

Gain the confidence to wear heels regularly and in everyday life.

Use the statement, made popular by most every movie villain, "You have no idea what I'm capable of."